Should i upgrade exhaust? Anyone done the same as me on a V6?

[VYPplater]

My first car(grey V6 3.8L VY executive series 2) is nice but im a little dissapointed on the pick up so i was looking to upgrade the exhaust as i have been told that it is the best bang for buck as far as increased power but i have also read that it will mess with the ECU and i wont get any power maybe even a drop in power? If anyones had any experience or works in the trade of exhausts or whatever could you drop me a line cos i want it done soon.

Extra info: Been quoted between $450 and $550 installed good price?

Also been told 2.5" exhaust is best is this true?

Car is stock excluding 18" rims and stereo

Thanks

[acarmody]

Exhaust probably won't make much of an increase at all. You want bang-for-buck then go some higher ratio rockers.

[Rusty]

Best bang for buck would be a major service!

[one_and_only2004]

Exhaust does shit all really, High ratio rockers are the best bet.

[sweefu]

Yep - exhaust will give you fun from a better note, with a CAI might give you the illusion of more power..

Go for a major service, including gearbox to make it feel good to drive.

Then i'd agree go for some high ratio rockers.

[Dethadder VY]

I put 2 1/2" from cat back on mine. sounds pretty good. Got it on the dyno before a major service and got steady 175kw readings so slight power increase.

[Kingston_99]

if you want a nice sound, go 2 1/2inch. i'd get the zorst done then a tune. then some high ratio rockers

[acarmody]

I put 2 1/2" from cat back on mine. sounds pretty good. Got it on the dyno before a major service and got steady 175kw readings so slight power increase.

How did you get 175kw reading? Take engine out and put it on engine dyno?

[wortus]

My view, the standard exhaust is good enough and it's made from stainless, why spend that sort of money to make the car noisy and replace something that will last the life of the car with something that will rust out in a few years.
As well as the higher ratio rockers you could consider a heat insulator spacer between the plenum and inlet manifold. I have read that these offer a cost effective performance gain on their own. I'd also be leaving the airbox pretty much as it is and just use stock elements and change them mor eoften if you want to.

[one_and_only2004]

I put 2 1/2" from cat back on mine. sounds pretty good. Got it on the dyno before a major service and got steady 175kw readings so slight power increase.

No, just no. 25ish kw from an exhaust?

As well as the higher ratio rockers you could consider a heat insulator spacer between the plenum and inlet manifold. I have read that these offer a cost effective performance gain on their own.

I can back the insulators 100%. You'd be surprised at how much torque you gain from these things.

[acarmody]

No, just no. 25ish kw from an exhaust?

But,but,but thats what the brochure said!!! LOL.

Just like my 10kW air filter, and my 15kW CAI.

And to 'Dethadder VY' I would be doing the service before the dyno. When they are revving the tits off your car you want good oil in there not oil at the end of its life.

[Sean880]

It's a waste of money messing with the exhaust. At legal road speeds you will not notice nay difference at all other than the noise.

As others have said, have the car properly serviced so the motor is running at its optimum. Maybe new plugs and leads if necessary. Change the air cleaner element. It's probably clogged anyway and thus impairing inbound airflow and reducing performance. (That will cots you a massive 12 dollars). Fresh engine oil and filter etc etc.

When the engine is running at its optimum there is plenty of power and torque in these V6 motors.

Get the compression checked in all cylinders.

If you have got a high km worn out engine with poor compression readings you are not going to get performance by sticking an aftermarket exhaust on it.

[Dethadder VY]

How did you get 175kw reading? Take engine out and put it on engine dyno?

yeah got that wrong lol. 175hp sound a bit more realistic? factory about 152. they had a big fan blowing straight onto the front of the car and was a cold night, maybe that worked in my favor.
but yeah. deffinatly not 175kw, would be nice though

And to 'Dethadder VY' I would be doing the service before the dyno. When they are revving the tits off your car you want good oil in there not oil at the end of its life.

had done a oil change about 10,000k's before that so still pretty good oil running through.

[TI3VOM]

yeah got that wrong lol. 175hp sound a bit more realistic? factory about 152. they had a big fan blowing straight onto the front of the car and was a cold night, maybe that worked in my favor.

Is that in a manual? is the car stock apart from the exhaust?

[Dethadder VY]

The car has a auto and as far as i know the motor is stock, was ex gov company vehicle. had a pod on it at the time. Heres a pic of the . dyno chart

[one_and_only2004]

If that's 175hp at the wheels, you my friend have an awesome vy!

[TMM]

^^ lol happy dyno. Stock V6 makes 110kw (147hp) at the rears.

Major service, push the pedal harder, better tyres and remove excess weight from the car.

All modifications that increase power rob torque... apart from a supercharger.